A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan uses magnets and radio waves to capture images of your body's internal structures without making a surgical incision. The scan allows your doctor to see the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, ligam...

An ultrasound scan is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from the inside of your body. The technology is similar to that used by sonar and radar, which help the military detect planes and ships. An ultrasoun...

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a noninvasive test that uses magnets and radio waves to create images of the inside of your body. It allows doctors to see details of your organs and tissues without having to make any incisions. Accordin...

An X-ray is a common imaging test that allows doctors to view the inside of your body without having to make an incision. X-rays are waves of electromagnetic radiation that are absorbed differently by different tissues. Bones absorb them well beca...

An extremity X-ray is an X-ray image taken of your extremities (your arms, legs, hands, wrists, feet, ankles, shoulders, knees, or hips). An X-ray is a form of radiation that passes through your body and exposes a piece of film, forming an image o...

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that help stabilize the shoulder and aid in movement. Rotator cuff strains or tears are caused by overuse or acute injury. Repetitive lifting can put you at risk.

An X-ray is a common imaging test that has been used for decades to help doctors view the inside of the body without having to make an incision. The X-ray was made public in 1896 with an image of the hand of anatomist Albert von Köliker. In the hu...